Chanel Gemae Visser is being called a real-life super hero for saving an African Oystercatcher from a fishing line entanglement – She even nursed it back to health herself!
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (10 January 2023) – CapeNature’s senior marine ranger, Chanel Gemae Visser was on patrol at the Robberg Nature Reserve in late December 2022, when she noticed an African Oystercatcher entangled in fishing line. She documented the case and tried to catch the bird but it flew away. Concerned, she notified the team to keep an eye out for the bird.
She was out on patrol on the 1st of January 2023, when she saw the bird again. Chanel was determined to catch the bird and free it from its human litter. Herding the bird to an area where she had better access, Chanel was able to catch it.
“Taking it into her care, she nursed it back to strength as all local vets were closed for the public holidays. Having been a seabird rehabilitator for many years, Chanel was well-placed to assist this patient. Two days later she got our Conservation Director Mark Brown to ring it for release. Mark has a Color ringing project on oystercatchers so an extra ring, enabling bird identification from a distance, was added too.
Within two days of being rescued, the Oystercatcher has been released back into its territory on Robberg! A great effort for a gorgeous bird by a local hero – well done Chanel!” – Discover Eden
The Discover Eden team have hailed Chanel as a real-life superhero. Not only is she committed to conservation at CapeNature, but she also manages the Plett Marine Animal Stranding Network, rescuing any marine wildlife that may need it.
We love that the bird has been saved, but as the general public, we can all do our part. Next time you go to the beach, collect some of the plastic and litter lying around.
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